Method And Apparatus for Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for performing a surgical anastomosis include a tubular body having an expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof. The apparatus further includes a sleeve slidably received about the tubular body. The sleeve has an expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof. The expandable anchor of the tubular body has an annular ring concentric with a longitudinal axis defined by the tubular body.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for anastomosing two hollow body parts and, more particularly to apparatus and methods for anastomosing a urethral stump of a patient to the bladder following a radical prostatectomy.

2. Background of Related Art

Anastomosis is the bringing together and/or joining of two hollow or tubular structures. Most body conduits are generally cylindrical in configuration and have a circular cross-section. When it is desired to suture such a conduit, typically for attachment to another body conduit, sutures are placed around the circumference of the conduit in order to maintain the patency of its lumen or channel. This type of attachment is commonly referred to as an anastomosis. It can be appreciated that the sutures made on top of the conduit (i.e., on the side facing the surgeon) in an anastomosis are made relatively more easily than the sutures made underneath the conduit (i.e., on the side facing away from the surgeon).

The complexity of anastomosis attachment is made manifestly apparent in a surgical procedure referred to generally as a radical prostatectomy (i.e., a well established surgical procedure for patients with localized prostatic carcinoma). In general, radical prostatectomy procedures require the removal of cancerous tissue while preserving sexual function and continence in the patient. There are two primary types of radical prostatectomy approaches for the removal of prostate cancer, the retropubic approach and the perineal approach.

In the retropubic approach, a long up-and-down incision is made in the midline of the abdomen from the navel to the pubic bone. After the lymph nodes have been removed for study by the pathologist and a determination has been made to proceed with the removal of the prostate gland, the space underneath the pubic bone is cleaned and dissected and the removal of the entire prostate gland is generally begun at the end that is farthest from the bladder, i.e., next to the external urethral sphincter. Next, the prostatic urethra is divided, the prostatic urethra and the prostate gland through which it goes are then pulled upwards toward the bladder while the dissection continues behind the prostate gland, separating it from the layer of tissue that is connected to the rectum on its other side. As the dissection continues between the prostate and the rectum, the seminal vesicles, which are behind the base of the bladder will be removed along with the prostate gland. Once the seminal vesicles are free, the entire prostate gland and the seminal vesicles are removed. The bladder neck is then stitched closed to a small enough diameter so that it is about the same size as the stump of the urethra from which the prostate was detached. The bladder neck is then pulled down into the pelvis and positioned against the urethral stump and stitched thereto. This stitching is done typically around a Foley catheter which has been inserted through the penis all the way into the bladder.

In the perineal approach, an inverted “U” shaped incision is made going right over the anus, with the center of the “U” about three centimeters above the margin of the anus. The prostate gland is then freed from its surrounding structures by gentle dissection, and the urethra at the end of the prostate farthest from the bladder is isolated and divided. The bladder neck is freed from the prostate, and, once the prostate gland has been removed and the bladder neck has been closed sufficiently so that the size of its opening approximates the size of the urethral opening, the urethra and the bladder neck are stitched together. Once again, a Foley catheter is left in place postoperatively for about two weeks.

In each of the above described procedures, it is the attachment of the urethral stump to the bladder neck which is particularly difficult and complex. This difficulty is complicated by the tendency of the urethral stump to retract into adjacent tissue. As a result, considerable time and effort must be expended to re-expose the urethral stump and begin the re-anastomosis procedure. Further complicating this procedure is the fact that the urethral stump is hidden beneath the pubic bone thus requiring that the surgeon work at a difficult angle and in positions that are uncomfortable and limiting.

Various devices have been proposed for facilitating this procedure. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,179, issued to Edelstein, there is disclosed a suturing device including a shaft with portions defining an interior channel extending between a proximal and a distal end of the shaft. This channel includes a generally axial lumen which extends to the proximal end of the shaft and a generally transverse lumen which extends from the axial lumen distally outwardly to an exit hole at the outer surface of the shaft. A needle and suture can be back loaded into the transverse lumen of the channel while a generally non-compressible member can be movably mounted in the axial lumen of the channel. At the proximal end of the shaft a handle is provided with means operative to push the member distally through the lumen to deploy or expel the needle.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,164, issued to Roth, there is disclosed a suture guide with a curved distal portion. The distal portion of the suture guide has a plurality of exterior axial grooves which can be used to align and guide a curved needle and attached suture. In order to drive the urethral stump to an accessible position, the device is provided with a plurality of outwardly extendable members which engage the lumen of the urethra. These members make it possible to push the urethral stump into approximation with the bladder neck.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,039, issued to Avant et al., there is disclosed a surgical device for the ligation of a dorsal vein and subsequent anastomosis. This device contains a pair of enclosed needles each having an attached suture which needles may be driven from the shaft of the device into adjacent tissue.

In general, none of the devices disclosed in the prior art references above is simple to use or makes the anastomosis of the urethral stump to the bladder neck easier. As such, each surgical procedure using the prior art devices continues to be time consuming and to require great skill. Accordingly, the need exists for radical prostatectomy anastomosis devices which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art devices and which are quick and simple to use.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods for performing a surgical anastomotic procedure are disclosed herein. An apparatus for performing the surgical anastomosis includes a tubular body having a first expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof, and a sleeve slidably received about the tubular body, the sleeve having a second expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof. The first expandable anchor has a central hub, a plurality of spokes extending radially from the central hub and an annular ring interconnecting a distal end of each of the plurality of spokes. The central hub, spokes and annular ring define a cavity.

Preferably, the second expandable anchor has a first position in which the second expandable anchor is at most equal to the radius of the sleeve and a second position in which the second expandable anchor has a radius which is greater than the radius of the sleeve.

Preferably, the first expandable anchor has a first position in which the first expandable anchor has a radius which is at most equal to the radius of the tubular body and a second position in which the first expandable anchor has a radius which is greater than the radius of the tubular body.

In one preferred embodiment, the expandable anchor of the tubular body includes a spherical portion at the intersection of each of the plurality of spokes and the annular ring. The first expandable anchor is desirably inflatable. Preferably, the tubular body includes an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the cavity of the first expandable anchor. The inflation lumen is preferably configured and adapted to inject and withdraw a fluid into and out of the cavity of the expandable anchor of the tubular body in order to thereby inflate and deflate the expandable anchor of the tubular body. The tubular body desirably defines a lumen extending therethrough and includes an opening formed near a distal end thereof. Preferably, the opening is formed distally of the expandable anchor.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the second expandable anchor defines a cavity and the sleeve includes an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the cavity of the second expandable anchor. The inflation lumen is configured and adapted to inject and withdraw a fluid into and out of the cavity of the expandable anchor of the sleeve in order to inflate and deflate the expandable anchor of the sleeve. The expandable anchor of the sleeve may be substantially spherical when in an expanded condition. Other shapes are envisioned including but not limited to elliptical, cylindrical, etc.

In a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for performing a surgical anastomosis includes a tubular body having a first expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof and defining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus has a sleeve slidably received about the tubular body, the sleeve having a second expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof. The first expandable anchor has an annular concentric with the longitudinal axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the first expandable anchor includes a plurality of spokes attached to the annular ring and a spherical portion at the intersection of each of the plurality of spokes and the annular ring.

The first expandable anchor is desirably inflatable. Preferably, the tubular body includes an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the cavity of the first expandable anchor. The inflation lumen is preferably configured and adapted to inject and withdraw a fluid into and out of the cavity of the expandable anchor of the tubular body in order to thereby inflate and deflate the expandable anchor of the tubular body. The tubular body desirably defines a lumen extending therethrough and includes an opening formed near a distal end thereof. Preferably, the opening is formed distally of the expandable anchor.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the second expandable anchor defines a cavity and the sleeve includes an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the cavity of the second expandable anchor. The inflation lumen is configured and adapted to inject and withdraw a fluid into and out of the cavity of the expandable anchor of the sleeve in order to inflate and deflate the expandable anchor of the sleeve. The expandable anchor of the sleeve may be substantially spherical when in an expanded condition. Other shapes are envisioned including but not limited to elliptical, cylindrical, etc.

The second expandable anchor desirably comprises a sponge, or a plurality of flexible arms biased toward an expanded position.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a surgical anastomotic procedure includes passing an apparatus through a first body vessel and into a second body vessel such that a first expandable anchor on a tubular body of the apparatus is positioned distally of the second body vessel. The first expandable anchor is expanded to engage the second body vessel. A sleeve of the apparatus is positioned such that a second expandable anchor on the sleeve is located near the first body vessel. The sleeve is slidably received around the tubular body. The second expandable anchor is expanded to engage the first body vessel. The tubular body is withdrawn until the second body vessel contacts a distal end of the first body vessel. The tubular body is fixed to the sleeve.

The tubular body may define a longitudinal axis and the first expandable anchor may comprise an annular ring concentric with the longitudinal axis. The step of expanding the first expandable anchor may comprise inflating the first expandable anchor so that the annular ring moves from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration encircling the longitudinal axis.

In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus is passed trans-urethrally through a urethra and a bladder neck into a bladder and the step of expanding the first expandable anchor includes engaging the bladder. The step of positioning the sleeve desirably includes positioning the second expandable anchor near the urethral stump.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes removing the prostate gland, freeing the urethra from the prostate gland to thereby define a urethral stump, and freeing the prostate gland from the bladder to thereby define a bladder neck. These and other advantages and features of the present apparatus and method disclosed herein, will become apparent through reference to the following description of embodiments, the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the general description given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for performing an anastomotic procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an insertion or withdrawal condition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in an anchoring condition;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of the apparatus shown in

FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of an anchoring mechanism in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a urinary system illustrating the insertion of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 into the surgical site;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the urinary system illustrating the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2, while in the operative site;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the urinary system illustrating the approximation of the bladder to the urethra using the apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the urinary system illustrating the bladder approximated to the urethra;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side elevational view, taken along the longitudinal axis, of a portion of the urinary system illustrating the bladder approximated to the urethra; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the urinary system illustrating the withdrawal of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, from the bladder and urethra while the apparatus is in the withdrawal condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus for performing an anastomosis will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings and in the description which follows, the term “proximal”, as is traditional will refer to the end of the surgical device or instrument of the present disclosure which is closest to the operator, while the term “distal” will refer to the end of the device or instrument which is furthest from the operator.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, embodiments of anastomosis apparatus, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, are shown generally as reference numeral 100. Although apparatus 100 offers significant advantages to a radical prostatectomy procedure, it will be understood that the device is applicable for use in any anastomotic procedure where the end of a conduit is to be sutured or otherwise secured to a hollow body organ.

As seen in FIG. 1, apparatus 100 includes a tubular body 102 and a sleeve 104 slidably received about tubular body 102. Tubular body 102 includes a proximal end 106 and distal end 108, wherein distal end 108 is provided with a conical cap 110. Tubular body 102 includes at least one opening 111 formed near distal end 108 which opening 111 provided access to a central lumen 112 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). Central lumen 112 of tubular body 102 defines a central longitudinal axis “X”. Opening 111 and central lumen 112 function much like a Foley-type catheter and permit fluid to be drained from or infused into the target operative site and/or define an access channel through which optical instruments can be passed through in order to aid in the viewing of surrounding tissue.

Tubular body 102 further includes an expandable anchor 114 provided near distal end 108 of tubular body 102. Preferably, anchor 114 is located proximally of opening 111 and is configured and adapted to surround tubular body 102. Anchor 114 has a first retracted position in which axial movement of tubular body 102 through a body lumen is possible and a second expanded position (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-7B) in which axial movement of tubular body 102 through the body lumen is either restricted or prevented. In other words, anchor 114 has a first position in which anchor 114 has a radius which is substantially equal to or less than a radius of tubular body 102 and has a second position in which anchor 114 has a radius which is greater than the radius of tubular body 102.

In particular, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3A, expandable anchor 114 is preferably fabricated of an expandable material and preferably forms a circular or “wagon wheel” shaped structure. Anchor 114 includes a plurality of arcuate members 116 defining a ring, a plurality of spokes 118 and a bulbous or spherical portion 120 provided at the intersection of arcuate members 116 with each spoke 118. Preferably, spokes 118 unite at a central bulbous or spherical hub 122. Central hub 122, spokes 118, spherical portions 120 and arcuate members 116 define a single inflatable cavity 117 (see FIG. 7B). While a single cavity 117 has been described, it is envisioned that a plurality of discrete cavities can be formed which discrete cavities can be concomitantly or separately inflated or expanded.

While a plurality of spokes 118 have been disclosed, it is envisioned that an annular disc-like member can be provided to interconnect central hub 122 to the plurality of spherical portions 120 and that a single lumen can extend between central hub 122 and each spherical portion 120. While a “wagon wheel” like expandable anchor 114 is preferred, it is envisioned that expandable anchor 114 can take any geometric shape, depending on its particular application, and could include such forms as an oval or spiral, for example.

In the preferred embodiment, tubular body 102 is provided with a first inflation/deflation lumen 124 (see FIG. 7B) extending along the wall of central lumen 112 and is in fluid communication with inflatable cavity 117 of expandable anchor 114 through at least one access opening 126 formed in tubular body 102. In use, lumen 124 is coupled to a source of inflation fluid (not shown) and a fluid is injected through inflation/deflation lumen 124 in order to inflate and expand anchor 114 to a deployed condition. Concomitantly, withdrawal of the fluid used to inflate and expand anchor 114 will cause anchor 114 to deflate and retract.

A “wagon wheel” expandable anchor 114 having spherical portions 120 and a spherical hub 122 is preferred in order to reduce the contact points of anchor 114 with the body tissue thereby reducing the tendency of tissue to be injured (e.g., ischemia) as a result of the anastomotic apparatus remaining within a body vessel and in contact with the surrounding body tissue for an extended period of time. In other words, spherical portions 120 and spherical hub 122 minimize the amount of direct contact between the body vessel, i.e., the bladder wall, and expandable anchor 114. In use, it is envisioned that expandable anchor 114 can be partially deflated, translated, readily repositioned radially within the bladder and re-inflated as needed.

Returning to FIG. 1, sleeve 104 includes a proximal end 128 and a distal end 130 defining a lumen 132 extending therethrough. Distal end 130 of sleeve 104 is preferably tapered in order to facilitate passage of sleeve 104 through a body lumen. In accordance with the present disclosure, sleeve 104 includes an expandable cuff 134 provided near a distal end thereof. Preferably, expandable cuff 134 has a first position in which expandable cuff 134 has a radius which is less than or equal to a radius of sleeve 104 and a second position in which expandable cuff 134 has a radius which is greater than the radius of sleeve 104.

As seen in FIG. 7B, sleeve 104 is provided with an inflation/deflation lumen 136 extending along the length thereof and is in fluid communication with expandable cuff 134 through at least one access opening 138 formed in sleeve 104. In use, lumen 136 is coupled to a source of inflation fluid (not shown) and a fluid is injected through inflation/deflation lumen 136 in order to inflate and expand cuff 134 to an expanded condition in order to anchor sleeve 104 within a body lumen. Concomitantly, withdrawal of the fluid used to inflate and expand cuff 134 will cause cuff 134 to deflate in order for sleeve 104 to be withdrawn from the body lumen.

Expandable anchor 114 and expandable cuff 134 are preferably fabricated from a medical grade polymer having suitable flexibility and structural integrity to withstand the forces associated with the inflation of anchor 114 and cuff 134 and with the function of anchoring apparatus 100 in place within a lumen of the patient's body.

It is contemplated that at least one annular seal, i.e., an O-ring, 150 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) be provided between tubular body 102 and sleeve 104. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the annular seal prevents or reduces the possibility of fluids from passing between tubular body 102 and sleeve 104.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, an alternative embodiment of an anchoring mechanism, in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown generally as reference numeral 200. Anchoring mechanism 200 includes at least a pair of retractable and expandable segments 202 formed in either tubular body 102 and/or sleeve 104. Segments 202 define at least a pair of slots 204. Preferably, anchor mechanism 200 includes eight expandable and retractable segments 202 separated by a respective number of slots 204. Each segment 202 is provided with a series of fold lines 206 located at specific locations and sides of each segment 202. The location and side of placement of fold lines 206 will cause anchor mechanism 200 to deform upon compression and extension of tubular body 102 or sleeve 104. Preferably, the location and side of placement of fold lines 206 will result in segments 202 of anchor mechanism 200 to expand radially outward upon compression of tubular body 102 or sleeve 104.

It is envisioned that each segment 202 is provided with a friction or grip enhancing coating or surface structure 208 which aides in securing segments 202 against body tissue and aides in controlling the movement of a body lumen, i.e., the urethra, when anchor mechanism 200 is deployed. In addition, surface structure 208 reduces the amount of surface which is in contact between segments 202 and the body tissue thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage, i.e., ischemia, by allowing for the areas of contact to be changed by adjusting the pressure or degree of expansion of anchor mechanism 200 and rotating tubular body 102 or sleeve 104 about central longitudinal axis “X”.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, it is envisioned that expandable anchor 114 and expandable cuff 134 can each be replaced with an anchoring mechanism similar to anchoring mechanism 200 formed along sleeve 104.

Various different materials may be used for expandable anchor 114 and expandable cuff 134 according to the present invention. Expandable anchor 114 and expandable cuff 134 should preferably be made of materials having acceptable properties including biocompatibility, pull strength, longitudinal or column strength, and bending flexibility. Some of the preferred materials may include various plastics, referred to as polymers, including nylon, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, or PET.

It is further contemplated that apparatus 100 include a locking mechanism for securing tubular body 102 to sleeve 104 and to prevent their relative axial movement with respect to one another.

A preferred method of use and operation of anastomosis apparatus 100 in a radical anastomotic procedure will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1-8 and in particular with reference to FIGS. 4-8. Apparatus 100 can be used in either the retropubic or the perineal prostatectomy approaches. With the prostate removed, the bladder neck “N” of the bladder “B” is first reconstructed by everting the inner mucosal lining of bladder “B” and suturing it down to the outer wall of bladder “B” using known surgical techniques. Likewise, urethral stump “S” of urethra “U” is reconstructed by everting the inner mucosal lining of urethral stump “S” and suturing it down to the outer wall of urethra “U”, using known surgical techniques.

Preferably, with bladder neck “N” reconstructed, bladder neck “N” is sized to properly accommodate and retain distal end 108 of tubular body 102 within bladder “B” using a standard tennis racket type closure (i.e., the opening of the bladder neck constituting the head of the tennis racket and a radial incision extending from the bladder neck constituting the handle portion of the tennis racket. Most preferably, bladder neck “N” is sized to be approximately 7-8 mm in diameter.

With bladder neck “N” reconstructed, apparatus 100, including tubular body 102 and sleeve 104, is passed trans-urethrally through urethra “U” until distal end 108 of tubular body 102 extends out of urethral stump “S” and into bladder “B” through bladder neck “N”, as indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 4. In particular, distal end 108 of tubular body 102 is preferably positioned such that expandable anchor 114 of tubular body 102 is positioned entirely within bladder “B”. In addition, distal end 130 of sleeve 104 is preferably positioned such that expandable cuff 134 is positioned near urethral stump “S” of urethra “U”.

With tubular body 102 positioned within bladder “B”, as seen in FIG. 5, a fluid, i.e., air, carbon dioxide, saline or the like, is introduced through lumen 124 into cavity 117 of anchor 114 to thereby expand and inflate anchor 114. Inflation and expansion of anchor 114 will prevent tubular body 102 from being withdrawn from bladder “B”. As seen in FIG. 6, with sleeve 104 positioned near urethral stump “S”, a fluid, i.e., air, carbon dioxide, saline or the like, is introduced through lumen 136 into cuff 134 to thereby expand and inflate cuff 134. Inflation of cavity 135 of cuff 134 results in the radial expansion of cuff 134 and in turn the pressing of cuff 134 against the inner surface of urethra “U” (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), thus preventing axial movement of sleeve 104 through urethra “U”.

With both anchor 114 and cuff 134 in an expanded condition, tubular body 102 is withdrawn through sleeve 104 in a direction “D” as seen in FIG. 6. As tubular body 102 is withdrawn through sleeve 104 in direction “D”, bladder “B” is also moved in direction “D” and approximated with urethral stump “S”. Once bladder “B” has been approximated to urethral stump “S”, tubular body 102 is locked in position relative to sleeve 104 thereby maintaining bladder “B” approximated with urethra “U”.

With tubular body 102 and sleeve 104 anchored in place, opening 111 and central lumen 112 of tubular body 102 act like a Foley-type catheter to create a passage through which urine can be passed from bladder “B” and out through urethra “U”.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it is preferred that tubular body 102 and sleeve 104 are maintained within bladder “B” and urethra “U” for a period of several weeks or for a period of time sufficient for bladder neck “N” and urethral stump “S” to heal and “grow” together. Once bladder neck “N” and urethral stump “S” have sufficiently healed, anchor 114 and cuff 134 are deflated and apparatus 100, including tubular body 102 and sleeve 104, is withdrawn from urethra “U”, as seen in FIG. 8.

The expandable anchor for engaging a body vessel may comprise any expandable structure, including those disclosed in certain embodiments of the following PCT Applications, all filed on an even date herewith: application entitled Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchoring Sleeve, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including Annular Joining Member, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including Annular Joining Member, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Expandable Member, invented by Russell Heinrich and Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Expandable Member, invented by Russell Heinrich and Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchoring Sleeve, invented by Scott Manzo; Method and Apparatus for Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis, invented by Scott Manzo; the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

The joining member for joining body vessels may comprise any joining member, including those disclosed in certain embodiments of the following PCT Applications, all filed on an even date herewith: application entitled Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchoring Sleeve, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchoring Sleeve, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including Annular Joining Member, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including Annular Joining Member, invented by Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Expandable Member, invented by Russell Heinrich and Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Expandable Member, invented by Russell Heinrich and Scott Manzo; Method And Apparatus For Anastomosis Including An Anchoring Sleeve, invented by Scott Manzo; Method and Apparatus for Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis, invented by Scott Manzo; the disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

The methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be used for approximating and/or joining the urethra and bladder, intestinal portions of the body, blood vessels or any other body vessels.

While apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure have been described as being used in connection with a radical prostatectomy procedure, it is envisioned that apparatus having similar structures and modes of operation can be used in various other surgical procedures. It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed anastomosis device and method disclosed herein.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, it is envisioned that the apparatus has a tubular body including a proximal and a distal expandable anchor operatively coupled near a distal end thereof. Accordingly, in use, it is envisioned that the distal end of the tubular body is inserted into the bladder trans-urethrally until the distal expandable anchor is within the bladder, the distal anchor is expanded within the bladder, the tubular body is withdrawn through the urethra until the bladder neck contacts the urethral stump and the proximal anchor is expanded thereby anchoring the tubular body against the inner wall of the urethra.

Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the present disclosure. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for performing a radical prostatectomy anastomosis, the method comprising the steps of: passing an apparatus through a urethra and into a bladder such that an inflatable anchor on a tubular body of the apparatus is positioned distally of the bladder; inflating the inflatable anchor of the tubular body to engage the bladder; positioning a sleeve of the apparatus so that an inflatable anchor on the sleeve is located near the urethra, the sleeve being slidably received around the tubular body; inflating the inflatable anchor of the sleeve engage the urethra; withdrawing the tubular body until the bladder contacts a distal end of the urethra; fixing the tubular body relative to the sleeve; and draining fluid from the bladder through an opening that provides access to a central lumen in the tubular body
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of removing a prostate gland by freeing the urethra from the prostate gland to thereby define a urethral stump, and freeing the prostate gland from the bladder to thereby define a bladder neck.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of maintaining the tubular body and sleeve within the bladder and urethra for a period of time sufficient for the bladder neck and urethral stump to heal and grow together.
 22. A method of joining a first body vessel and a second body vessel, the method comprising the steps of: passing a tubular body through the second body vessel and into the first body vessel such that the tubular body extends at least partially through the second body vessel and a distal end of the tubular body is disposed within the first body vessel; positioning a sleeve around the tubular body such that a cuff on the sleeve engages the second body vessel and maintains a position of the sleeve with respect to the second body vessel; introducing a fluid through a lumen extending through the tubular body to expand an anchor disposed at a distal end of the tubular body, the anchor including: an annular ring radially surrounding the tubular body; a plurality of radially spaced spokes extending from the tubular body and supporting the annular ring; and a plurality of radially spaced contact portions protruding proximally from the annular ring; drawing the anchor proximally by drawing the tubular body proximally through the sleeve until the plurality of contact portions contact the first body vessel; drawing the first body vessel proximally by drawing the tubular body proximally through the sleeve until the first body vessel contacts the second body vessel; maintaining a position of the tubular body with respect to the sleeve within the first and second body vessels with the first and second body vessels in contact with one another second body vessel for a period of time sufficient for first and second body vessels to grow together.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of maintaining a position of the tubular body with respect to the sleeve includes maintaining the position for about two weeks.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the step of maintaining a position of the tubular body with respect to the sleeve includes maintaining the annular ring distally spaced from the first body vessel by the plurality of contact portions.
 25. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of draining fluid from the first body vessel through the tubular body while maintaining the position of the tubular body with respect to the sleeve.
 26. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the steps of: partially deflating the anchor; radially repositioning the anchor with respect to the first body vessel; and re-inflating the anchor.
 27. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of introducing a fluid through the lumen includes introducing saline through the lumen.
 28. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of expanding the cuff within the second body vessel to anchor the sleeve within the first body vessel.
 29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the step of adjusting the degree of expansion of the cuff to alter areas of contact between the cuff and the first body vessel.
 30. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of rotating the sleeve about the tubular body to alter areas of contact between radially spaced segments of the cuff and the first body vessel.
 31. The method according to claim 22, wherein the first body vessel is a bladder and the second body vessel is a urethra.
 32. A method of joining a first body vessel and a second body vessel, the method comprising the steps of: passing a tubular body through the second body vessel and into the first body vessel such that the tubular body extends at least partially through the second body vessel and a distal end of the tubular body is disposed within the first body vessel, the distal end of the tubular body including an anchor including a plurality of discrete radially spaced contact portions thereon for selectively engaging the first body vessel; positioning a sleeve around the tubular body such that an anchoring mechanism on the sleeve is disposed within the second body vessel, the anchoring mechanism including a plurality of discrete radially spaced segments for selectively engaging the second body vessel; engaging the second body vessel with the plurality of discrete radially spaced segments of the anchoring mechanism; engaging the first body vessel with the plurality of discrete radially spaced contact portions of the anchor; drawing the first body vessel proximally by drawing the tubular body proximally through the sleeve until the first body vessel contacts the second body vessel; maintaining engagement of the anchor with the first body vessel and engagement of the anchoring mechanism with the second body vessel for a period of time sufficient for first and second body vessels to grow together; and rotating at least one of the anchor and anchoring mechanism with respect to first and second body vessels to alter areas of contact between anchor or anchoring mechanism and the first or second body vessel.
 33. The method according to claim 32, further comprising the step of folding or unfolding the plurality of discrete radially spaced segments of the anchoring mechanism along a fold line to alter areas of contact between the anchoring mechanism and the second body vessel. 